09/06/2026
📝 2026 Winternationals Recap ❄️
It was a huge effort from many to have all 3 race cars at the Winternationals this year.
It was unfortunate that the engine from the Mighty Torana decided to go bang at the Nitro Champs in Sydney. The damage was so severe that there was no chance of repair/rebuild, so the decision was made to shop around for another engine.
Fortunately, an engine with a similar combination was available & the purchase was made, knowing that there was plenty of work ahead to try and have the change over completed in time for the Winters.
Upon the return from Sydney, Bill’s dragster engine was the priority. There were no major changes to the engine, just new rods, rings, bearings etc., but the installation still meant many hours in the shed before it was ready for a start up.
We went to the Winter Warm Ups to do some testing for both the car & the driver.
All went well & we were ready for racing.
After the Warm Up's was when work began on the Torana. For those that have ever made a similar change they will appreciate that it doesn't always go smoothly.
Electrical wiring had to be lengthened, or shortened - and things like fuel & water lines the same. The tailshaft needed to be shortened, as well as an adaptor kit from the engine to the transmission. Then of course, the exhaust system had to be modified (Thanks to brother Dan for the last minute call up to do the job). And the list goes on and on...
All was eventually finished on the Tuesday evening prior to the Winters, which left us no time for testing at the track. The 140 metre bitumen driveway at home was the only testing we could conduct, which was one test day short of where we wanted to be. Unfortunately - we really needed that test day as the Torana did have some issues as expected. We feel we have something to work with now & it will be a better race car when we next compete. A big credit to Josh for all the hours he spent trying to make it happen, many would not have given him a chance of even getting it to the track. He enjoys a challenge!
Race day did not go to plan, with all 3 vehicles going out in the 1st Round.
It was expected with the Torana, but having both dragsters out was a disappointment for all.
Bill was up against a relatively new racer who managed to put down an amazing run with a .008 reaction time & just .008 over his dial in at the finish line.
The ever-consistent Josh reacted strongly with a .016 reaction but broke out by 0.019. The first 2 days of qualifying we experienced a strong head wind which disappeared by race day, causing many racers to misjudge their dial in's & run too fast.
The next race meeting with be the 4th round of the QDRC on the 4th July - which will be the first time in 15 months where both Bill & Josh will compete at the local championship!
As always, a big thank you to our sponsors:
▪ Styromax Fibreglass Composite Panels
▪ Gulf Western Oil Pty Ltd
▪ The Bolt King
▪ David Mullins European Auto Service
